Staff Picks: April 2018

Lately, I have been on a huge documentary binge. I AM EVIDENCE is an absolutely remarkable piece that exposes the alarming number of untested rape kits in the United States. Produced by Law & Order SVU’s Mariska Hargitay, this film illuminates how the rape kit backlog has impeded justice while also highlighting those who are leading the charge to work through the backlog and pursue long-awaited justice in these cases.

- Katherine Grygo, Director of Web & Blog Services

Assassin Dramedy

Now that I’m in my blissful post-thesis haze, I can focus on what really matters: binging prestige television shows. Sure, I’m thrilled about the return of Westworld and The Handmaid’s Tale, but if I can hype a new genre, it’s the Assassin Dramedy. Killing Eve (BBC America) and Barry (HBO) are wildly different takes on the hitman (and woman) story–the unexpected humor of the former and darkness of the latter continue to surprise and delight. After a long day hiking (as Alexa suggests below), settle in for some of Spring’s most exciting new television.

Reward all of your hard work this semester with some fresh air! Preserved in Northwest DC, Rock Creek Park has 32 miles of hiking trails right in your backyard. Its lush greenery, charming creek, stone bridges, and winding trails will lead you to a place outside of the hustle and bustle of city life. Stretch those limbs, get your blood pumpin’, and enjoy some time with the trees. You won’t regret it.

Territory Foods is a meal plan service that delivers prepared meals to your doorstep! My friend recommended the service to me because they know I am busy and not very good at/like cooking. Not only is the food actually good, it healthy! The customization options for most diets. 11/10 would recommend.

Transparency: It is a little expensive coming in at ~$12 a meal, but I was spending much more than that going out to eat. If you have the time, skill and energy needed to cook then I do not think this is for you.

Gomorra provides an intimate look into the Camorra, the notorious mafia syndicate that rules Naples, Italy. Focusing on the Savastrano Clan, Gomorra is the type of wild ride that, for better or for worse, could only occur in Naples. That means viewers should be warned, the show is violent. But, it is more than that. Featuring an entirely Campanian cast and locations in Naples that tourists would never dream of visiting, Gomorra grants viewers access to parts of Italian culture that, for many, has become largely inaccessible. Ultimately, Gomorra gives us the Naples with brutal honesty about its rich past and tragic present. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in Italian culture and politics.

Katherine Grygo is a first-year student in the Communication, Culture & Technology program at Georgetown University. She serves as the Assistant Director for Web & Blog Services. Katherine completed her undergraduate studies in English Literature at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA in May 2016. She is primarily interested in topics regarding artificial intelligence and its implications in society as well as free speech.